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Live Strong
"Hey sunny, you never told me why you wear that wristband, it doesn’t even go with what you’re wearing!"
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to this Commentary!
By Ayesha Walker
Live strong. What’s with that? Why does everyone want to be a conformist anyway?
I noticed everyone wearing those yellow stretchy wristband bracelets with the words live strong engraved in big bold letters. Men, women, kids – even senior citizens. I don’t get it! I must be missing something! What does live strong mean? I hate being left out.
As much as I dislike being a conformist, I wanted one of those bracelets. And I wanted one bad! Especially when I saw it on my friend Milton’s left wrist. I couldn’t stop staring at it! I took a closer look without making it seem like I was admiring his bracelet, even though I was.
I finally swallowed my pride and asked him “Hey Milt, what do you get out of wearing that wristband?”
He looked at me as if I were asking him a very personal question.
I told him he should let me have it.
“Oh No!” he said.
I hate the feeling of rejection. I wish I’d never asked.
He still didn’t tell me what the bracelet meant. So I asked again.
“Hey sunny, you never told me why you wear that wristband, it doesn’t even go with what you’re wearing!”
He told me “My sister gave this to me. She has breast cancer. I never take it off.”
The very moment I found out what the bracelet meant, I not only wanted one bad, I wanted one now! But I regret telling him that it didn’t match his clothing.
It’s amazing how a health fundraiser can turn into a trend. I think it’s quite alright! Everyone doesn’t know what wearing yellow is all about – and I don’t think they should have to know. I admit - I didn’t know until writing this commentary! Nearly 10 million people are living with cancer. I feel like I’m playing a minor part in the future cancer patients’ lives by wearing this bracelet.
Of course there are always those who aren’t conformist, those who take meaning into their actions, like my friend Milton.
Now that I know there’s a deeper meaning to wearing yellow, I wear the bracelet everyday. I eat, sleep, and shower with it on! It’s just a fad for most…but when it’s over, I’ll definitely leave it on my wrist.
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